Iliniwek Village State Historic Site
Members of Heartland Research Group visited the Iliniwek Village State Historic Site to gain a greater appreciation for the people who once called this place their home. It was a beautiful place teeming with mosquitoes. Interestingly, we found that when Spotted Bee Balm, which was in abundance in the area, was used as a repellent, mosquitoes fled from us. I can hardly blame them, as it does have a strong odor about it. Later research indicates that due to its strong aroma, it repels mosquitoes natuarally. Who knew?
Step with us into the history at the Iliniwek Village State Historic Site, where the fascinating story of the Illinois Indians unfolds. This Native American confederation, bound by a loose alliance of 12 tribes, left an indelible mark on the land. The very name "Illinois" echoes the French phonetic rendering of "Iliniwek," a proud declaration that translates to "we are men." Delving into their world draws heavily from the accounts of intrepid French explorers in the 17th and 18th centuries and meticulous archaeological studies.
Picture a time when the Illinois Indian population, thriving at around 12,500, was comprised of resilient tribes such as Peoria, Cahokia, Tamaroa, Michigamea, and Kaskaskia. Their expansive territory stretched from the Wisconsin River to the Wabash River valley and traced the curves of the Mississippi to the confluence with the Arkansas River.
The Illinois Indians, nomads in every sense, orchestrated a dance between their main village site and smaller winter abodes. Spring brought the ritual of planting crops, while summer saw them skillfully hunting bison, deer, and bear. Returning to the village in August marked the commencement of the harvest, with crops carefully stored for the approaching winter. These smaller villages also played a pivotal role in facilitating trade, particularly in fur, with the ever-encroaching Europeans.
The pages of history open with the first written account of the Illinois Indians in a Jesuit Relation from 1640. The St. Esprit Mission, nestled in present-day Wisconsin, became a nexus of trade, fostering interactions between the Illinois Indians and French Jesuit priests. Father Jacques Marquette's vivid 1673 account unravels the tapestry further, offering detailed glimpses into the bustling Peourea village, housing an estimated 8,000 souls.
Yet, the tale takes a poignant turn around 1677 when Iliniwek Village began its gradual decline. The construction of Fort St. Louis in 1682-1683 prompted a mass relocation of the Illinois Indians, save for the Michigamea. The inevitable erosion of their lands unfolded through the Treaty of Edwardsville in 1818, culminating in a forced migration to present-day Kansas in 1832.
Today, the Iliniwek Village State Historic Site stands as a poignant testament to the Illinois Indians' legacy. Each step along the walking trail unveils the echoes of their daily existence, with excavated longhouses revealing secrets of their homes. Outdoor interpretive displays and inviting picnic areas offer a tranquil space for reflection, inviting visitors to connect with the heartbeat of a bygone era.